Preparation

Place half the water in a large bowl. Stir in the yeast and the sugar. Allow to sit about 10 minutes, or until the yeast is bubbling. Add the remaining water, 2 tablespoons of the oil and the salt. Stir to combine. Begin to stir in the flour, 1 cup at a time. When it forms a dough, turn it onto a lightly floured board and knead in the remaining flour. Knead the dough for 8 minutes, then knead in the herbs and the pepper. Continue to knead for another 3 to 4 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Oil a large bowl, add the dough and turn to coat with the oil. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until doubled in bulk, 5 to 6 hours. Punch the dough down and divide it into 4 pieces. Roll out each piece into a 6-by-11-inch rectangle less than inch thick. Cut them into strips a little less than i inch wide.

Oil the baking sheets and place the strips about inch apart. Brush lightly with oil and set aside for 1 hour to rise. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden. Cool on racks and serve.

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